Explosion blows roof off Ruislip house

A maisonette in Ruislip had half of its roof blown off earlier this evening after a boiler exploded.

London Fire Brigade were called to the house, located on West End Road in Ruislip, just before 6pm. Witnesses reported nearing a loud bang which was reportedly audible as far away as Northwood. A fire then broke out in the damaged building.

The roof of the maisonette, which is being used as a 5-bedroom flat, caved in. None of the tenants were at home at the time. Two fire engines attended the scene and West End Road was closed off, re-opening at about 8.30pm.

It is not known at present what the cause of the boiler explosion was.